Highline College’s MaST Center’s ‘Shark in the Park’ celebration will be Sunday, July 6

Highline College’s MaST Center Aquarium is inviting families to dive into a day of science, sharks, and summer fun at its annual “Shark in the Park” event on Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Redondo Waterfront and Wooten Park in Des Moines, the free public event will feature live science demonstrations, hands-on ocean activities, educational shark-themed exhibits, food trucks, family games and crafts, and local vendors.

“Sharks, science, and summer fun—join us for a jam-packed day of discovery, food, and family adventures!” organizers wrote in the event flyer.

A highlight of the event is the opportunity to learn about sixgill sharks, a deepwater species that is rarely seen by divers anywhere except Redondo. The area is considered one of the best places in the world to observe these elusive sharks in the wild, particularly between spring and fall.

Sixgill sharks, which can grow up to 18 feet, are currently listed as “Near Threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and recognized as a “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” in the Washington State Wildlife Action Plan.

Special thanks were given to the City of Des Moines for supporting the event.

For updates, the public is encouraged to follow the Highline MaST Aquarium on Facebook and Instagram or email MAST@Highline.edu.